Tadej Pogacar has chosen an ambitious Giro d’Italia/Tour de France double in 2024. Belgian analyst Michel Wuyts sees a nearly certain triumph for the Maglia Rosa, but for the Maillot Jaune, perhaps not.
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“The fact that he is going to the Giro out of love for the country, the Italian news melted instantly. The proximity to Slovenia is a great incentive; this promotional line is charming,” said Wuyts, somewhat incredulous, in a conversation with the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN).
“Not a word about him receiving a six-figure bonus from Giro boss Vegni,” the journalist added.
“It goes without saying that a Giro-Tour project arouses admiration. It’s only feasible for the world number one. Is it courage or arrogance? Or did Pogacar think carefully?” Michel Wuyts asks.
With victory in the Giro, a loss in the Tour is less painful.
“How does Pogacar fill that gap compared to the equivalent climber Vingegaard? Yes, Pogacar is adventurous, but also smart enough to choose an alternative,” Wuyts continues his analysis. “Pogacar goes to the Giro, with the final victory almost 85% certain. With the Giro in hand, the defeat in the Tour becomes less painful.”
“Giro competitors will be Geraint Thomas, Nairo Quintana, Simon Yates, and I believe also Giulio Ciccone,” the Belgian concludes. “These lesser cyclists can only hope for some Slovenian compassion. In the Giro, Pogacar can build an upward economic advantage, but if nothing happens with Vingegaard and his Yellow Bees, the Slovenian’s dreams will be false anyway.”
